Assistant Psychologist

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an assistant psychologist to join our psychology team.

The successful applicant will support the team clinical psychologists with assessments, formulations and interventions as well as teaching and training sessions.

There is also opportunity for audit/service data collection and analysis. You will also gain experience of working within a vibrant multi-disciplinary team and working alongside other team members including Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Medics and Social Workers both from within the team as well as external partner agencies.

You will have the opportunity to develop your psychological knowledge, skills and experience while undertaking creative psychological work in a complex client group. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join this multi-disciplinary team. As an assistant psychologist your work will be supervised by a qualified clinical psychologist. There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in assessment, formulation and intervention and to attend relevant CPD events.

Main duties of the job

The Assistant Psychologist will support and enhance the psychological care of clients within the service, providing psychological assessment, formulation and interventions under the close supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist. They will also work independently according to a plan agreed with the multi-disciplinary team.

Chesterton Low Secure Unit provides a specialist service to women with complex mental health needs who present a risk of offending or have a history of offending. Chesterton LSU works alongside partner agencies to support people to achieve their recovery goals by providing personalised, trauma-informed care and support. .The psychology team at the LSU provide specialist assessment, formulation and interventions, intensive support when needed, specialist training, and advice and consultation.

We are looking for people who share our core values of continuous improvement, accountability, respect, enthusiasm and support.

The role may involve working across both of Mersey Cares Low Secure Units - at Rathbone Hospital in Liverpool and at Hollins Park - therefore a degree of travel and flexibility will be required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. To undertake psychological assessments of clients - applying psychological tests, including neuropsychological, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care.

2. To review a variety of data sources, including; medical records, case files, and depositions to inform standardised risk assessments for qualified members of LSU staff.

3. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.

4. To contribute to the development of outcome measures for clinical interventions, and to assist the design and implementation of service development projects within the LSU as required.

5. To communicate and liaise with staff and other disciplines with regard to assessing clients and reviewing their care in preparation for multidisciplinary review meetings.

6. Under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, to prepare reports on clinical assessments with individuals, the results of psychometric assessments, case note reviews and research/audit projects.

7. To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, training and project work.

8. To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care, including contributing to the organisation of training seminars and conferences for others.